Cat breed · Longhair
Persian
Quiet, gentle, placid
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb)
- Height
- 25–38 cm (10–15 in)
- Life span
- 12–17 years
- Origin
- Persia (Iran)
By Maya HartThe coat
Long
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Persians right for you?
You will love
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Copes well in a flat
- Content with modest exercise
- Quiet
Be ready for
- Independent — training takes patience
- Sheds a lot
- Coat needs regular grooming
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Persians weigh 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Persian
Persians are serene lap cats that prefer a calm household. Their long coat needs daily care — without it, painful mats form within days. Many modern Persians have very flat faces; kittens with more moderate faces breathe and see more comfortably.
Health to know about
- Polycystic kidney disease — ask for DNA testing
- Breathing and eye problems in flat-faced lines
- Dental crowding
- Skin fold infections
Care in short
- Daily combing to prevent mats
- Clean the eyes daily
- Choose kittens from PKD-tested parents
- A low-traffic home suits them
Kit for a Persian
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Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Persian get?
Adults usually weigh 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) and stand 25–38 cm (10–15 in) tall.
How long do Persians live?
Typically 12–17 years.
Are Persians good with children?
Usually fine with supervision (3 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Persians shed?
Heavily, all year round.
What health problems are Persians prone to?
Polycystic kidney disease — ask for DNA testing; Breathing and eye problems in flat-faced lines; Dental crowding; Skin fold infections.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts